Can I take photos of homes I view?

Only with permission from the seller or the seller’s representative on their behalf. Don’t assume it’s okay to take out your phone and start snapping pics – always get permission first.

Is my private viewing really private?

It’s always safer to assume it’s not. Nanny-cams and other recording devices are common now. Have something sensitive to talk about with your Realtor, like making an offer, or anything else you’d prefer the Seller not overhear? Save those conversations until you’re well out of the home.

Who can come with me when I view a house?

Your viewing is for you alone unless you specify in advance and obtain permission. Don’t assume it’s okay to bring your extended family – it may be fine, but it may not be. Let your representative know who will be at the showing with you in advance. Also remember, a showing is not the time to sneak in a home inspector or contractor. Want to bring someone with you? Always have your agent ask in advance.

What do a marble, a flashlight and a good nose have in common?

They’re excellent things to bring with you to a home viewing. Want to see if the floors are level? Use your marble. Your flashlight is good in basement and attic corners of course, but also great when peering into cupboards and closets and for shining up at ceilings where watermarks might be hard to see. A good nose can sniff out dampness (be wary of overly perfumed spaces!) and odors from nearby (or not so nearby) factories, swamps, or other smelly places.

Should I get the home professionally inspected?

Yes, if market conditions allow it’s always a good idea to bring an objective, trained professional in to help you see where and when repairs might be needed and what they’ll cost. In a tight sellers’ market this often isn’t possible. When this is the case exercise care and objectivity and have your Realtor gather as much information as possible.

When’s the best time to view a house?

It’s always best to see a home in bright daylight for the first viewing. If you’ve seen the home in the middle of the day and are interested in it head back over when street traffic is likelier to be higher and more potential neighbours are home to get a feel for what it would really be like to live there.

Why location, location, location?

Choosing a location that suits your needs and lifestyle choices is the most important thing. Think of buying the land (or location in a condo building) first and the home and its attributes second. You can do a lot of things with your home, but the hardest one is to move it - especially if it’s a condo unit!

House viewing tips

Find the best home for you by selecting the best house tour option for you.

Going on multiple house tours with different agents can be exhausting. At Nobul we eliminate that problem. Our platform allows you book multiple viewings in a single tour with a trusted local expert who represents your interests, not the sellers. With the various tour options available, you are sure to find one which best suits your preferences.

How to book a tour

Step 1: Nobul Magic

Nobul finds the best agents to compete for you based on the key factors you want in a home. Get a local expert realtor to help you with your home viewing and get thousands in cash back.
Step 2: Find a property and tour date

Browse listings in your preferred city to find a home that piques your interest. Then choose the date and time of day that best works for your personalized home tour.
Step 3: Meet your agent

Once the viewing of the property has been arranged, put together a home viewing checklist with your agent to make sure you are checking off everything you want in buying a home. Depending on the type of home tour you have chosen, you are free to explore the home! Ask any and all questions you may have. Best of luck with this journey in finding your dream home.

Your Questions Answered

Here are just a few things people frequently ask about Nobul.

Can I take photos of homes I view?

Only with permission from the seller or the seller’s representative on their behalf. Don’t assume it’s okay to take out your phone and start snapping pics – always get permission first.
Is my private viewing really private?

It’s always safer to assume it’s not. Nanny-cams and other recording devices are common now. Have something sensitive to talk about with your Realtor, like making an offer, or anything else you’d prefer the Seller not overhear? Save those conversations until you’re well out of the home.
Who can come with me when I view a house?

Your viewing is for you alone unless you specify in advance and obtain permission. Don’t assume it’s okay to bring your extended family – it may be fine, but it may not be. Let your representative know who will be at the showing with you in advance. Also remember, a showing is not the time to sneak in a home inspector or contractor. Want to bring someone with you? Always have your agent ask in advance.
What do a marble, a flashlight and a good nose have in common?

They’re excellent things to bring with you to a home viewing. Want to see if the floors are level? Use your marble. Your flashlight is good in basement and attic corners of course, but also great when peering into cupboards and closets and for shining up at ceilings where watermarks might be hard to see. A good nose can sniff out dampness (be wary of overly perfumed spaces!) and odors from nearby (or not so nearby) factories, swamps, or other smelly places.
Should I get the home professionally inspected?

Yes, if market conditions allow it’s always a good idea to bring an objective, trained professional in to help you see where and when repairs might be needed and what they’ll cost. In a tight sellers’ market this often isn’t possible. When this is the case exercise care and objectivity and have your Realtor gather as much information as possible.
When’s the best time to view a house?

It’s always best to see a home in bright daylight for the first viewing. If you’ve seen the home in the middle of the day and are interested in it head back over when street traffic is likelier to be higher and more potential neighbours are home to get a feel for what it would really be like to live there.
Why location, location, location?

Choosing a location that suits your needs and lifestyle choices is the most important thing. Think of buying the land (or location in a condo building) first and the home and its attributes second. You can do a lot of things with your home, but the hardest one is to move it - especially if it’s a condo unit!